Judge rules against reporter fired after sending critical email

BANGOR, Maine — A federal magistrate has recommended that a former reporter’s claims of retaliation against a Maine newspaper company be dismissed.

Larry Grard filed three claims against Maine Today Media after he was fired from the Morning Sentinel for sending an email from his work computer to gay rights supporters rebuking their campaign tactics leading up to the November 2009 election in which Maine voters repealed a law allowing gay couples to wed.

Magistrate Judge Margaret Kravchuk is recommending that two of Grard’s claims — that he was a victim of unlawful retaliation — be dismissed. Federal Judge George Singal will issue the final ruling on those cases.

The Kennebec Journal says court records indicate that Grard’s third claim, of religious discrimination, could go to trial early next year.